Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) Continues With Original Content, Picks Marco Polo

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Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) acquired the rights to air The Adventures of Marco Polo on television after Starz (NASDAQ:STRZA) dropped its plan to produce it. According to TV Guide the content was initially produced by Weinstein Company and Electus and executive producers were Bob and Harvey Weinstein, along with Electus’ Ben Silverman. Writer and show runner of the show are John Fusco and Dave Erickson (Sons of Anarchy).

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 Starz dropped Marco Polo due to budget issues

The plot tells the story of famous Marco Polo adventures in China during the 13th century war between empires. Starz initially took interest in the project and tried to film it in China, but later shied away from the idea because the cost was very high. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) opted to film it somewhere else. The Hollywood Reporter explains it as “cinematic adventure of high politics, masterful manipulation, and deadly warfare,” but says that the series may be made in a single film rather than the initially proposed nine parts.

Though, Starz is no longer producing the show, it has a lineup of many shows for 2014 and most of them are periodical. For next season, series will include Season 2 of Leonardo da Vinci drama DaVinci’s Demons; Michael Bay’s new pirate drama Black Sails; the 50 Cent drama Power; an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels; the dark murder mystery Fortitude; and the BBC miniseries Dancing on the Edge.

Netflix focusing on original content

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is trying to show more and more original programming after it got many Emmy nominations for House of Cards and Arrested Development. It also debuted the latest series, Orange is the New Black, last month. Netflix is trying to bring in a new season of Arrested Development, though the response has not been very encouraging. Users will not subscribe Netflix just to watch Arrested Development. There is no surety either that Netflix will be successful following this strategy, as it has not always worked.

Original content is a key growth driver for Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) as the streaming firm is trying to reach the stature of HBO by building its audience and challenges. The streaming service company has not provided any insight as to how many viewers exactly watch programs like House of Cards and Arrested Development. Fueled by original content, Netflix achieved higher second quarter profit, announced last month.

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